COOL heads prevail when it comes to negotiating your dream coastal home,&nbsp;according to Realtair managing director Peter Matthews. The real estate guru says it can be challenging to remove the emotion when you fall in love with a property and the lifestyle it offers. “Property is generally not a short-term investment and history has proven that any ‘overpayment’&nbsp;is mitigated&nbsp;by time,” Mr&nbsp;Matthews says. “The risk to pay too much is also mitigated by the rest of the market so it is unlikely any outrageous premium would be paid. “In saying that,&nbsp; properties that create such emotion in one buyer will probably&nbsp;create the same in another, meaning any premium paid today would be realised in the sale in the future.” His advice is especially true when considering buying homes close to the water. “The real estate cliche, ‘location, location, location’ is ever present when water is concerned,” Mr Matthews says. “To walk to, or better even be able to see [water] adds value. “From the harbour and ocean to the river or canal, water adds value.” Best is the home is close to water and amenities. “The hot spots are areas that provide lifestyle to add further value to the water,”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr&nbsp;Matthews says. “People look for cafes, restaurants, boutique shops as well as a sense of community. “Transport also plays a role here, particularly ferries.” With nearly 50,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia is blessed with places to build and-or buy your coastal abode. But weigh up the cons with the pros. “Consider the area and its growth plans along with understanding the propensity for flooding and the insurance options available to compensate that,”&nbsp;Mr&nbsp;Matthews says. If you’re thinking of building your dream coastal home, consider any hidden costs such as for footings and&nbsp;foundations. With climate change, many coastal areas are changing; think about building with the right materials that can withstand the elements, such as strong winds and even rising sea levels. Many residents in Sydney’s Northern Beaches saw their waterfront properties virtually washed away in 2016 with extraordinary king&nbsp;tides whipped up by storms. Furthermore, coastal properties may need more maintenance, as salty winds can erode building materials and lead to rust. But it can be worth the caution once you’ve moved in; watch the ebb and flow of water and consider long, languid summers by cool beaches. The only thing you’ll ever need is more water to top up the whiskey, or turn into ice cubes for the gin.

Bringing alive your coastal dream

ON THE HORIZON: Realtair managing director Peter Matthews says the real estate cliche, ‘location, location, location’ is ever present when water is concerned. Hot spots such as cafe strips and transport services are areas that provide lifestyle to add further value to the water.

“Consider the area and its growth plans along with understanding the propensity for flooding and the insurance options available to compensate that,” Mr Matthews says.

If you’re thinking of building your dream coastal home, consider any hidden costs such as for footings and foundations.

With climate change, many coastal areas are changing; think about building with the right materials that can withstand the elements, such as strong winds and even rising sea levels.

Many residents in Sydney’s Northern Beaches saw their waterfront properties virtually washed away in 2016 with extraordinary king tides whipped up by storms. Furthermore, coastal properties may need more maintenance, as salty winds can erode building materials and lead to rust.

But it can be worth the caution once you’ve moved in; watch the ebb and flow of water and consider long, languid summers by cool beaches.

The only thing you’ll ever need is more water to top up the whiskey, or turn into ice cubes for the gin.